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Notes to Editors

  • Chapman Freeborn is the largest air charter broker in the world with 36 offices in 20 countries
  • In June 2007, we were voted"Air Cargo Charter Broker of The Year" at the ACW World Air Cargo Awards in Munich
  • Chapman Freeborn was established in 1973
  • Annual group turnover is over $450m
  • The Chapman Freeborn group employs nearly 300 personnel
  • We specialise in moving urgent cargo, heavy and outsize pieces, high value commodities, dangerous goods and AOG parts
  • Many of the world’s major relief organisations, governments, NGOs and other aid providers use our expertise in transporting relief goods and organising personnel evacuations
  • We provide ACMI, wet, damp and dry leasing solutions for many of the world’s largest airlines
  • We also provide General Sales Agency (GSA), Station Management and Ground Handling Services
  • Our operations division, Paragon Global Flight Support provides 24 hour outsourced flight support
  • Chapman Freeborn is listed in the Sunday Times’ Top Track 250 of the biggest mid-market private companies in the UK

For further information on this story, or about the Chapman Freeborn Group, please contact Julie Black or Andy James on +44 (0)1293 572832

Chapman Freeborn Charter Aircraft to Stock Tbilisi Zoo!

12th January 2004

In a story reminiscent of tales from the Ark, the animals went in two by two for a recent charter from Vatry, France to Tbilisi, Georgia in early December.

The flight, operated on the 6th December saw all sorts of exotic species including various deer, antelope and some very nervous zebra as well as all sorts of large and exotic birds including swans, geese, flamingoes, crowned cranes, scarlet ibis and peacocks.

An animal transport specialist first contacted Chapman Freeborn France in order to compare logistics and pricing with their usual method of using commercial airlines directly. It didn’t take long for Chapman Freeborn to demonstrate the efficiency of a dedicated cargo operation – such a flight proved quicker and therefore less stressful for the precious cargo and was also more cost effective.

The operation took a great deal of planning with the animals coming from all over the world initially to be assembled in Paris, as well as the complex political situation in Georgia which delayed necessary administrative matters prior to this unique flight.

Finally on Saturday 26th December, an Antonov 26, operated by Aerocharter, arrived in Vatry to collect it’s cargo. It was a chilly day and the limited facilities at Vatry did not offer the animals much warmth, although the penguins didn’t mind the 2°C temperature! Nonetheless as soon as the aircraft positioned in on time, loading commenced in order to keep the cargo warm and happy!

A couple of the five zebra were a little nervous about their flight and the loadmaster, loading crew and accompanying vet were on hand to provide reassurance and some muscle to keep their crates steady in order to make sure they didn’t make a break for it.

However, they soon settled when they were in the warmth of the aircraft and managed to make themselves at home very quickly by going to the toilet. Much to the pleasure of the crew and attendants!

In total, there were some 20 animals and 750kg of food on the nine hour flight which undertook a tech stop in Bucharest, Romania on route. They arrived in Tbilisi on schedule and were quickly offloaded and transferred to their new home in Tbilisi Zoo.

No doubt they will bring delight to the many visitors to the Zoo who will be completely oblivious as to their stylish journey there. If only animals could talk!

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